I am grateful for a fun experience selling Christmas trees for Camp Barnard, the scout camp we’ve gone to a few times in Sooke.it’s a great cause, The kids had fun, and so did we, and it felt really Chrstmassy, and it was convenient to buy a tree while we were there.

I am grateful for a nap we managed to squeeze in this afternoon.

I am grateful for a visit from my folks this afternoon.

I am grateful for the truck parade.

I am grateful for an evening yaking away with friends, while our kids snuggled up on the couch and watched Christmas specials.

I am grateful for family fun night: Cooper’s pick. He chose supper at Big Wheel Burger, then ice skating at Butchart Gardens. There were some tears; my boys haven’t had the luxury of an outdoor rink at the park down the street like I did growing up, and it wasn’t coming as easily as they’d have liked. They were troopers though, and it was a great night.

I am grateful for the opportunity to put up some paintings in the mayor’s reception area at the Saanich municipal hall. I hung them this morning. I’ll be adding a few more to another space in the building next Thursday.

I am grateful for another night out. Julie and I went to see Frazey Ford, with Chance Lovett and the Broken Hearted opening. The whole show was fantastic, and it took place at a nightclub I remember going to when I was in university. It’s an experience to be in such a small venue with such amazing talent.

I am grateful for Coop, who had the self awareness, at 7 years old, to tell me he felt angry and didn’t know why, just before a hug when he was off to school this morning. He and I were having a rough go. He could have just thrown insults at me, or acted out in some other way, but this time, he just told me how he felt. I know adults that couldn’t do that. Heck! I often can’t either. Go Coop!

I am grateful for Farley, who was pleased to show me his thumbtack and rubber band craft this morning.

I am grateful for an opportunity that came up to show my paintings at Saanich city hall this month. I’m installing a few tomorrow; The rest will be in there Dec 9.

I am grateful for date night. Julie and I went out for dinner, then did errands. Sounds mundane, but it was sublime.